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The Art of Sport

“Introducing The Players’ Tribune, a new media platform that will present the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and to publish first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune will strive to be “The Voice of the Game.”—The Players’ Tribune

Simple and to the point. Derek Jeter launched his post-baseball career with the above statement and online Sports Journalism is moving into a new arena: We are treated to the players’ perspective in their own words. The Tribune has a mixture of six categories from The Best Play I Ever Made to What the (Blank)?, where players answer 10 questions and we get to know them better.

Derek Jeter’s online project is far from a rah-rah, look-at-me recap of the day’s sports news. Here we get a glimpse at what is going on inside the minds and lives of the athletes and journalists.

Former San Francisco wide-receiver, Vernon Davis, recently wrote a post about the challenges faced by inner-city kids who are trying to pursue their artistic passions. I was surprised by my own ignorance of his artistic talent in the field of painting.

In the category of: Letter to My Younger Self, Joe Theismann has written a humorous, thought-provoking post that goes beyond the If-I-only-knew-then-what-I-know-now genre. The story of the lesson he learned from NY Giants linebacker, Lawrence Taylor, applies as much to life as it does a career in sports.

“My goal is for the site to ultimately transform how athletes and newsmakers share information, bringing fans closer than ever to the games they love.” —Derek Jeter

I think that Derek Jeter is well on his way to achieving his goal. I am also reminded of a semi-autobiographical novel that gave me my first insight into the thoughts of pro football players: North Dallas 40, by Peter Gent, 1973. Mr. Gent played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964—1968 and his book was made into a movie in 1979. In the video clip below we learn the difference between Sports and Business from actor, and Oakland Raider Defensive End, John Matuszak.

*****Caution*****Strong Language*****Caution*****

An Informal Poll:

What effect does Sports have in your life?

Do you have a favorite team?

What is the best lesson that you have learned from either watching or playing a sport?